The reinstatement of the Burscough Curves have been something that people in the north of Merseyside have wanted back for decades.
The once integral part of the rail system was removed during the rail restructure in the 1960s and 1970s, with the train line connecting the Ormskirk-Preston line with the Southport-Wigan line. Without the curves, there is now no direct link between Southport and Ormskirk.
Something that would seem quite simple on paper has proved to be an uphill struggle when people have tried to get the curves reinstated, while they remain but are not operational. The link would have allowed people to commute directly to Preston and Ormskirk without having to change stations or lines.
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February 2020 saw a group of local MPs put in a cross-party bid to the Restoring Your Railways Fund but' despite backing from Ormskirk, Preston and Southport Travellers' Association, the funding was turned down. The Department of Transport made the decision to turn down the application for £50,000 of funding to further look into feasibility studies.
The idea involved relaying two miles of track to reintroduce a two-way junction which would allow connections to reopen. The line would have used existing railway stations as well as introducing the reopening of Midge Hall in Leyland which closed to passengers in 1961.
The plans were described as high value, low cost, with those behind the plans saying it could be completed in two years costing up to £35 million. The bid that was put forward was seeking just £50,000 funding to look further into feasibility studies and start preparation for a formal business case.
People have had their say on the thought of having the Burscough Curves reinstated, with Cheryl Taylor making a valid point about those trying to get to Ormskirk Hospital. She said: "Should be one again for those who need to get to Ormskirk Hospital."
Although a number of people continue to be pessimistic about the likelihood of a welcomed return of the curves. Jeanette Smith wrote: "Sadly it'll never happen." Similarly, Kieran Wallace said: "Will never happen."
Southport MP Damien Moore told the ECHO: “To level up Southport, we need to further strengthen our regional transport infrastructure. As a seaside town with a strong hospitality economy reliant on visitors, it is only by increasing rail capacity that we can truly unleash Southport's economic potential across a diverse range of sector.
“Our £37.5 million Town Deal has brought a string of fantastic new projects along, such as a state-of-the-art events centre, and so we now need to work non-stop to make it as easy as possible for people to get to our town’s wonderful attractions and facilities. But we also need highly-skilled jobs in our local area filled by those coming out of local education, with the skills to match, so that we retain our town’s talent.
“This is why I launched the campaign for the reinstatement of the Burscough Curves, which will link Southport to both Preston and Ormskirk with direct rail links. I frequently meet with Government Ministers to argue for this proposal, in addition to raising it in Parliament on numerous occasions and working together with local stakeholders, in particular, the Preston Southport Travellers Association, to make our vision a reality.
“If we are sincere in our desire to level up Southport, then we must succeed in strengthening our town’s connectivity to our region and indeed to the rest of the country. I am proud of the progress we are making and confident that Southport's best days are firmly ahead of us.”
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